8/27/2015: We showed some industry veterans our Kickstarter presentation and here is what they had to say (Thanks a lot, guys!)

9/1/2015: The campaign is LIVE!
Woo-hoo! Please help us make this a campaign a success and tell your friends about it! Dwarves@Facebook

Boïndil is one of the ~15 playable characters

OUR VISION

We at KING Art Games are thrilled that story-based tactical RPGs are making a comeback thanks to Kickstarter. We always loved these games and we work hard to be part of this renaissance!

A section of “Girdlegard”, the game world of “The Dwarves"

We had the idea to make a game with epic battles between a handful of heroes and hundreds of enemies (think "Battle of Helm's Deep" in "The Lord of the Rings") and combine these cool battles with a great story and a unique group of playable characters. The result is "The Dwarves".

OUR CROWD COMBAT SYSTEM

Our Crowd Combat System uses physical parameters like mass, dimension and momentum of individual characters to calculate a realistic flocking behavior. If an enemy in the front is hurled into an ally behind him, the information instantaneously travels across the entire group and causes them to react accordingly - everyone is affected.

That results in a very natural and cool-looking behaviour for the whole enemy crowd. Everybody pushes and shoves, squeezes and stumbles all at the same time.

Each character on a battlefield influences all of the others

You can, and have to, make use of this “physical chaos” to hold your own against huge enemy hordes. Additionally each hero has a range of individual attacks available that you can combine into powerful combos.

Without the right tactics and a whole lot of courage your party of heroes will perish

But how does combat feel besides all the physics-based havoc? Think about an RTS like Warcraft 3. In some missions you play only one (or a couple) of powerful heroes. These heroes fight against enemy minions without your help (auto-attacks), but you are the one who moves the characters and who chooses when to use which of their powerful special abilities. These abilities have a cool down, so you have to switch between your heroes to make the most out of them.

Add combos and the environment into the mix and you get an idea of what the combat feels like. You’re in control of an elite group of fighters that can fight for themselves if you’re not around, but who need you to close the deal.

You can rotate and zoom the camera in all our levels

Dwarves is a single player game and to give you enough time for your decisions there is something we call “Combat Focus”. It’s basically “bullet time” that slows down all the action, so you can solve critical situations.

THE GAME WORLD

“The Dwarves” is based on the first novel of the international best-selling fantasy series by German author Markus Heitz.

You play as Tungdil, a dwarf who was raised among humans and gained his knowledge of the five Dwarven Kingdoms primarily from books. He sets out on a grand journey across “Girdlegard” - a conglomeration of kingdoms that’s now more dangerous than ever.

Our main character Tungdil in the vault of his mentor Lot-Ionan

You’ll travel across the game world on a world map that is alive with allied armies, enemy hordes, and NPCs, such as travelling salesmen. When you meet allies or merchants you can talk to them, buy things, and maybe receive a quest. There are also random events and encounters that can occur anywhere in the world. Sometimes it’s just minor things, sometimes these encounters call for tough decisions and might have far-reaching consequences.

There are a few hundred waypoints on the map you can travel to. There will be frequent switches from the world map to a more detailed view, where you can explore important locations and solve hidden puzzles.

Explore the environment to learn more about the world and the characters in it

It is important for us to stay true to the books whenever possible. But at the same time Markus gave us the freedom to change things if necessary and the game offers a range of new adventures and side quests – a few of them written by Markus Heitz himself.

"KING Art will rock the Dwarves game! In the first meetings I immediately realized that KING Art wants more from me than just the license of a successful fantasy-novel. They absolutely love fantasy and channel that passion into their games.

One of their team members, Lukas Zach, has already developed the official board game of The Dwarves together with Michael Palm. So, KING Art has a deep knowledge of the world and atmosphere of The Dwarves, in addition to their 15 years of experience in developing video games.

I am involved as a counselor, but give KING Art lots of freedom and room for interpretation of the world of The Dwarves. So far it’s looking great. And I’m also going to write some new quests for the game. Can’t wait!"

DESIGN

Girdlegard is populated by different dwarven tribes, humans, elves, magi, orcs, bögnils, ogres and Älfar. We’re currently giving all races and characters in the game a unique appearance.

Giselbert Ironeye, King of the Dwarven Kingdom of the Fifthlings, and one of his soldiers

Concept Art of an ogre with some weapon variations

Facial expressions of our protagonist Tungdil

Concept Art of the “Stone Gateway”, the first battleground in “The Dwarves”.

Each enemy has different strengths and weaknesses, as well as a unique combat style.

Not all of your companions are dwarves... or humans.

THE SCHEDULE

We started developing "The Dwarves" early this year. This is our schedule until the release in Mid-2016:

The alpha and beta versions of "The Dwarves" are exclusively for supporters (PC only). Like in our previous games we're looking forward to get your feedback and work together with you to make the game great.

THE BUDGET

We’ve been able to acquire a large portion of the development budget ourselves. But we need your support to secure funding and get all planned features into the game.

If we surpass our funding goal we would be happy to implement additional features and content.

WHO IS KING ART AND CAN YOU GUYS REALLY DO IT?

We’re an indie developer with more than 15 years of experience. To this day we’ve developed more than 40 games and are one of the few developers who have already delivered two successful Kickstarter projects.

WHY KICKSTARTER?

When you launch a game project on Kickstarter, it’s not just about the money. It’s also about getting early feedback on the game and establishing a relationships with a community that cares deeply about it.

Battle Worlds: Kronos and The Book of Unwritten Tales 2 have become better games because you accompanied us during development and motivated us on every occasion. We hope it will be the same for “The Dwarves”.

Magus Nudin - The most powerful mage around

All icons are visual approximations, not actual look of rewards. Your payment will be processed in US-Dollars. The indicated values for Euro and British Pounds are estimated values.

JOIN US!

Become part of the community and don’t miss a single update.

Legal stuff

"The Dwarves"
based on the correspondent bestselling novel series
of Markus Heitz first published by Piper Verlag, Germany

German law shall apply to the exclusion of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for International Sale of Goods.

Risks and challenges

There is very little doubt in our mind that we can deliver a great game as promised:

- This is our third "Kickstarter Game", we already delivered two games successfully.
- We know how to make projects of this scope and already made other games with the technology.
- The team has worked together for years and waited a long time to make a game like this.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $35 or more
About $35

DIGITAL SPECIAL EDITION - PC

Includes the Standard Edition of the game, plus the digital soundtrack, a digital "Making of"-book (PDF) and a digital version of our huge world map (PDF). You’ll get access to the BETA and you’ll appear in the credits of the game as an “Orc Warrior” who marches against the dwarves.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

DIGITAL EDITION - Xbox One

Includes the digital Xbox One version of the game, plus (as a download for your PC) the digital soundtrack, a digital "Making of"-book (PDF) and a digital version of our huge world map (PDF). You’ll appear in the credits of the game as an “Heavy Orc Warrior” who marches against the dwarves.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

DIGITAL EDITION - PS4

Includes the digital PlayStation 4 version of the game, plus (as a download for your PC) the digital soundtrack, a digital "Making of"-book (PDF) and a digital version of our huge world map (PDF). You’ll appear in the credits of the game as an “Heavy Orc Warrior” who marches against the dwarves.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $75 or more
About $75

DIGITAL KING ART KICKSTARTER PACK - PC

Includes the “DWARVES DIGITAL COMPLETE PACK”, plus the Digital Special Editions of our previous two Kickstarter games - Battle Worlds: Kronos & The Book of Unwritten Tales 2.
You’ll appear in the credits of the game as an “Orc Berserker” who marches against the dwarves.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $95 or more
About $95

EXCLUSIVE KICKSTARTER EDITION - PC

Exclusively only here and now! The Dwarves in a majestic box, including a high-quality printed art book (hardcover), the soundtrack on CD, a beautiful cloth map of our game world and a “Thank you” postcard with autographs from Markus Heitz and the KING Art team. You also get one table top figurine (Tungdil) and you can download the game, too (so you receive TWO copies of the game in total). You’ll get access to the ALPHA (and BETA) and you’ll appear in the credits of the game as an “Orc Leader” who marches against the dwarves.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $150 or more
About $150

SUPERFAN PACK - PC

Includes the “LIMITED KICKSTARTER EDITION” plus one additional download of the game (THREE copies of the game in total) and an exclusive stein in dwarven design. You’ll appear in the credits of the game as an “Ogre”!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $165 or more
About $165

SUPERFAN PACK - PS4

Includes the “LIMITED KICKSTARTER EDITION” plus one additional download of the game (THREE copies of the game in total) and an exclusive stein in dwarven design.
PLUS you will get an additional digital PS4 version.
You’ll appear in the credits of the game as an “Ogre”!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $165 or more
About $165

SUPERFAN PACK - XBox one

Includes the “LIMITED KICKSTARTER EDITION” plus one additional download of the game (THREE copies of the game in total) and an exclusive stein in dwarven design.
PLUS you will get an additional digital XBox one version.
You’ll appear in the credits of the game as an “Ogre”!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $250 or more
About $250

COLLECTOR’S EDITION - PC

Includes everything from the “SUPERFAN PACK”, PLUS a special volume of the novel with a personal dedication by Marcus Heitz. The perfect gift for fans! You’ll appear in the credits of the game as an “Ogre”!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $265 or more
About $265

COLLECTOR’S EDITION - PS4

Includes everything from the “SUPERFAN PACK”, PLUS a special volume of the novel with a personal dedication by Marcus Heitz. The perfect gift for fans!
PLUS you will get an additional digital PS4 version.
You’ll appear in the credits of the game as an “Ogre”!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $265 or more
About $265

COLLECTOR’S EDITION - XBox one

Includes everything from the “SUPERFAN PACK”, PLUS a special volume of the novel with a personal dedication by Marcus Heitz. The perfect gift for fans!
PLUS you will get an additional digital XBox one version.
You’ll appear in the credits of the game as an “Ogre”!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $350 or more
About $350

YOUR VOICE IN THE GAME

You receive the "COLLECTOR‘S EDITION" of the game and get the opportunity to immortalize your voice in the game. You can either visit our office with the other backers (including a tour) and make the recording here, or you send us your recording. You’ll appear in the credits of the game as an "Ogre" who marches against the dwarves.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $750 or more
About $750

YOU IN THE GAME – PC/PS4/Xbox One

You receive a "COLLECTOR’S EDITION", including the game for PC, PS4 or Xbox One. Additionally, you’ll become a NPC in the game! Our artists will paint a portrait of you as a merchant, bandit or quest-giver. You’ll get a printed and framed version of your portrait with autographs by the KING Art team and Markus Heitz. You'll be the biggest character in the credits: A "Golem".

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $850 or more
About $850

KEENFIRE COLLECTOR'S EDITION

You receive the "COLLECTOR‘S EDITION" of the game, as well as a lifesize, very limited, high-quality LARP version of our legendary axe Keenfire. You will be the biggest character in the credits: A "Golem".

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,250 or more
About $1,250

YOU IN THE GAME + Keenfire – PC/PS4/Xbox One

You receive a "COLLECTOR’S EDITION", including the game for PC, PS4 or Xbox One. Additionally, you’ll become a NPC in the game! Our artists will paint a portrait of you as a merchant, bandit or quest-giver. You’ll get a printed and framed version of your portrait with autographs by the KING Art team and Markus Heitz.
PLUS the Keenfire as a life-sized LARP weapon.
You'll be the biggest character in the credits: A "Golem".

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,000 or more
About $2,000

MEET & GREET - PC/PS4/Xbox One

You receive a “COLLECTOR’S EDITION - PC” and you and one of your friends will have the opportunity to meet Markus Heitz and the KING Art team at the KING Art office in Bremen, Germany for an exclusive tour. We'll have dinner and a couple of drinks. We pay for the hotel, the dinner and the drinks (travel costs are not included.) You’ll be the biggest character in the credits: A “Golem”.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $3,500 or more
About $3,500

YOUR QUEST – PC/PS4/Xbox One

You receive everything from the "YOU IN THE GAME" reward. PLUS you work in close cooperation with us to create a quest in the game (featuring your portrait). You’ll be in the team credits as a "Quest Designer".